What is 12th Man?
1.
The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born on the second of January 1922, when an underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, then the nation's top ranked team. As the hard fought game wore on, and the Aggies dug deeply into their limited reserves, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a squad man who was not in uniform. He had been up in the press box helping reporters identify players. His name was E. King Gill, and was a former football player who was only playing basketball. Gill was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready throughout the rest of the game, which A&M finally won 22-14. When the game ended, E. King Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines for the Aggies. Gill later said, "I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me."
This gesture was more than enough for the Aggie Team. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be thought of as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the eleven men on the gridiron needed assistance. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire student body; a spirit that has grown vigorously throughout the years. The entire student body at A&M is the Twelfth Man, and they stand during the entire game to show their support. The 12th Man is always in the stands waiting to be called upon if they are needed.
This tradition took on a new look in the 1980's when Coach Jackie Sherrill started the 12th Man Kick-Off Team composed of regular students through open tryouts. This 12th Man team performed very well and held opponents to one of the lowest yards per return averages in the league. Later, Head Coach R.C. Slocum changed the team to allow only one representative of the 12th Man on the kick off team. The 12th Man tradition also took musical form. The 12th Man sings this song after each game in which the Aggies are outscored.
Person 1: "Why are all yawl standin'?
Person 2: "Because we are ready to play for Our team if needed"
Person 1: "I dont get it"
Person 2: We are all the 12th Man of the Team!"
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2.
The 12th Man Tradition was started at Texas A&M in 1922 when the original 12th Man, E. King Gill, a football player turned basketball player, was notified that because of injuries, the team may need him to play. He had already agreed to help a reporter spot players from the Press Box. Added to that, was this was in the days before locker rooms, so he changed before the game and stood ready to play if injuries forced the situation. He wasn't needed, but a tradition was born. This is why at Texas A&M the crowd stands the entire game.
The 12th Man is ready to go today and screaming Gig 'em Aggies!
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3.
An extra man is needed on the offensive side of the ball for the professional football team known as the New York Giants. This man must follow around the quarterback (Eli Manning) and shove his male parts down Eli's throat so that the quarterback's hunger is satisfied and he can focus on throwing the football.
Tom Brady: "Why is there an extra player on the field?"
Bill Belichick: "Oh, thats just the 12th Man. The New York Giants are alloted an extra player on offense so that Eli Manning does not get sidetracked while playing."
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4.
In cricket, the 12th man the cricketer who has the duties of being the subsitute fielder and carrying the drinks during breaks. eg Australian leg spinner Stuart Macgill
Poor Stuart Macgill is never going to get of 12th man duties because Australia only normally carry one spin bowler
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5.
In football, it's the crowd.
When the away team is backed up near the goal post, the 12th man makes a lot of noise, making it hard to communicate and for the lineman to hear the snap count.
Sweet, Seattle just won because the 12th man made the offense commit 5 false start penalties
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6.
What is the last man to leave your momma's house last night...
Do you know what the 12th man is?
The last man to leave your momma's house last night...
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